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Topical only. OTC cosmetic azelaic acid is typically around 10%; prescription strengths are 15% gel/foam (rosacea) and 20% cream (acne), applied as a thin layer to clean skin once or twice daily. There is no oral, injectable, or systemic dose. For rosacea or persistent acne, the prescription form under a clinician is the evidence-based route. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Any time

Leave-on topical gel, foam, or cream (OTC ~10%, or prescription 15-20%)

Prescription topical: a pea-sized amount of 0.025%-0.1% cream or gel applied to clean, dry skin once nightly. Start low-strength and every-other-night to build tolerance. A prescription drug used under clinician direction — not a supplement regimen.

Before bed

Topical cream or gel, 0.025%-0.1% (prescription)

• For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
• Known allergy or sensitivity to azelaic acid or formulation excipients
• Application to broken, severely irritated, or compromised skin until healed

• Other strong leave-on actives (retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, benzoyl peroxide)

• Pregnancy and planning pregnancy (topical retinoid — avoid)
• Breastfeeding (avoid application near areas of infant contact)
• Eczema / rosacea-prone or broken/sunburned skin (irritation)

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Other topical exfoliants (AHAs / BHAs, abrasives)
• Photosensitizing drugs